DSBN Installs First of Five Artificial Fields of Dreams

DSBN students and staff took the field in Fort Erie on Tuesday to mark the installation of the first of five synthetic turf fields at public secondary schools across Niagara.

Standing in the end zone on the future home-field of the Greater Fort Erie Gryphons, DSBN Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki said the Board serves a wide range of student needs. 

“Athletics are a significant and meaningful aspect of education for many students. I’m proud that our Board is taking action to support our athletic programs and provide students with first-rate facilities to develop their skills and become active,” said Hoshizaki. 

Hoshizaki went on to note that synthetic turf fields aren’t as impacted by the unpredictable Canadian weather, which will allow students to continue their seasons well into the fall and earlier in the spring. 

In addition to the field at Greater Fort Erie, the Board will also install synthetic turf fields at A.N. Myer in Niagara Falls, Welland Centennial, and Sir Winston Churchill and Governor Simcoe in St. Catharines. 

To support the construction of the four additional fields, the DSBN has allocated $5 million dollars in its multi-year capital plan. 

Fort Erie Trustee Dave Schaubel said he was “proud to be part of a school board that puts students first by supporting these types of investments.”

Once completed, the turf fields will be available to both secondary and elementary students across the Board. The public and community organizations will also have access to the turf fields through the Board’s normal rentals process. 

Schaubel also noted that Greater Fort Erie, the first DSBN secondary school to be built in over 40 years, was progressing well. 

“This is truly a magnificent facility, and I’m sure the students are as excited as I am for it to open in September,” said Schaubel.